Interest in quantifying the potential impacts of wake boats continues with more in-depth research occurring around the country. The goal is to generate science-based guidelines for use in state and local regulation.
A recent study was conducted in 2024 to determine wave enhancing system impacts on Lake Waramaug, Connecticut. It included in-lake measurement of wave propagation and propeller downwash impacts to both the surface and substrate. Wake boats in Surf mode in comparison with ski boats average twice the wave height and create four times the wave energy. This wave energy requires five times the distance to dissipate. Deep water videography established fluid kinetic energy effects of propeller downwash including sediment re-deposition and nutrient (phosphorous) release at depths of at least 26 feet for Wake Board Boats in Surf mode.